French M.A.

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The Master of Arts Degree in French offers students the opportunity to pursue studies
in French literature, linguistics, and culture. The Master's Degree leads to careers
in French teaching, translation, international business, diplomacy, social and governmental
services and related areas.

Requirements

A French B.A. and a minimum GPA of 3.0 are required to be admitted as “classified”
in the program. Conditionally classified students may be required to take 15 units
or more of undergraduate courses to complete their preparation in French. All applicants
demonstrate their competency in the subject by scoring 700+ in the computerized placement
test, and 75% in the classification exam.

Regular coursework for the M.A. totals thirty (30) units, with a minimum of six graduate
seminars (200-level courses) in French and at least one seminar in each category:
literature, civilization and linguistics. Four (4) upper-division (120+level) courses,
and two graduate courses from another department may be applied toward the degree
with the approval of the Graduate Advisor. Graduate seminars may be repeated when
content changes.

Students have the option of Plan A - courses and a thesis, or Plan B - 10 courses
and a comprehensive written and oral exam.

Scholarships

The department offers generous scholarships to qualified applicants who have completed
at least one semester of studies in the French program at SJSU. The Graduate Studies
office offers Graduate Fellowships once a year.

Teaching Opportunities

Classified students may apply to teach French language courses through the Department's
Teaching Associate program.

External Exams and Study Abroad Programs

The French program prepares the students to take DELF & DALF exams. The Examen de
la Chambre de Commerce de Paris is offered at SJSU every other year. Graduate students
have the opportunity to spend one semester or one year in Paris or the Province of
Québec.

Courses and Seminars

All courses and seminars are taught in French.

Undergraduate Courses

Maximum 12 units

Fren 120A Literature: 12th & 16th century

Fren 120B Literature: 17th & 18th century

Fren 132 French for Professions

Fren 140A Literature: 19th century

Fren 140B Literature: 20th century

Fren 160 Special Topic

Fren 170 Translation & Comparative Stylistics

Graduate Seminars & Special Studies

18 units

Fren 201 Modern French

Fren 202 Civilization and Culture

Fren 210 French & Technology

Fren 220 History of the French Language

Fren 240 Francophone Literature

Fren 250 French Novel

Fren 260 French Drama

Fren 270 French Lyric

Fren 280 French Thinkers

Fren 298 Special Studies

Fren 299 Master's Thesis

French M.A. Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Analyze cultural productions from the following three perspectives:

Historical and cultural

Linguistic and stylistic

Literary and literary theory

Develop theses of a scholarly nature on special topics.

Make scholarly presentations.

Use research tools for academic papers and process data in compliance with academic
standards.

Use interdisciplinary approaches and make connections between cultures and languages.

Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the French-speaking world, from both historical
and contemporary perspectives.